I have been competing in swimming, lifesaving and water-polo since I was 11years old, and coaching in swimming and water-polo for the last 30 years. During my 30 years service in the police I played for the GB Police water-polo team, competed every year in the National Police championships and won the National Police Lifesaving competitions several times.

I learnt to swim the hard way at Thurlstone beach, I went out of my depth and managed to shout for “Help” before being rescued by my mum! After this I spent most of my spare time at the beach or in a swimming pool, trying lots of different water sports.

When I was 18 years old I joined the Metropolitan Police and competed in the National Police Championships in both swimming and water-polo for the 15 years that I served in London and a further 15 in Devon playing for the British Police Team until I retired. Since transferring to Devon and Cornwall Police in 1997 I have also competed in the National Police Lifesaving competition, winning the national title on several occasions.

Aged 48, having served 30 years, I retired from the police and in the last year have qualified as Level 1 Water-polo coach, Level 1 and 2 in Teaching Aquatics (learn to swim) and National Pool Lifeguard. I am a keen windsurfer and stand up paddleboarder(SUP), enjoy kayaking, surfing, wakeboarding in fact almost anything to do with water.

I believe it is important that children are able to survive should they fall into the water. When they can swim they will be safe to enjoy the many types of water sports that are available in this part of the country. Having the right stroke technique is essential, especially if they progress to competition swimming, water-polo or synchronised swimming at any level.

I enjoy seeing adult swimmers improve their swimming technique and become able to swim further with less effort. Whether it is for their own satisfaction or for competitive events (eg triathlons), improvement is generally immediate and will continue with individually planned sessions.